Educational Programs > Annual Scholarship
Joan Byrum Pro-Life Scholarship
2009 Collegiate Scholarship Announced
Right to Life of Indianapolis is dedicated to developing passionate pro-life leaders among the students of Marion County and the surrounding counties. Through our direct involvement with high school Teens for Life Clubs, we have seen the enthusiastic dedication of pro-life students.
In our effort to recognize and develop pro-life convictions and leadership among the students in the Indianapolis area, Right to Life of Indianapolis in 2007 began awarding an Annual $1000 Pro-Life Scholarship. In 2008 this scholarship was named in honor of Joan Byrum, President of Right to Life of Indianapolis from 1994-2008, in recognition of her belief in encouraging pro-life activities in youth. The scholarship assists a student who has shown pro-life commitment and involvement during high school and dedication to the pro-life philosophy as they continue their education in college or a vocational program.
Applicants must be seniors graduating from high school (home school graduates are eligible) in the current school year and have applied to a college or a vocational school and then be accepted and enrolled by May 1, 2009. Students are eligible if they live in Marion County or any of it contiguous counties.
Dealine for application is Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
Click here for application and information.
Congratulations to our 2008 Scholarship Winner: Jordan Berty
Jordan Berty graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis where she was elected President of their Teens for Life Club in both her junior and senior years. In her first year as President, in response to recruiting efforts, the club grew from 50-to 250 members. Under her direction, the Ritter club has held Pro-Life Weeks, set up for the Celebrate Life Dinner, participated in the annual March for Life Pilgrammage to Washington, D.C., and the 40 days for Life Campaign. Ritter students signed up to pray as part of the 40 Days for Life in front of Planned Parenthood all twelve hours from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm on Sunday, October 2007. A teacher chaperone for this eent wrote in his recommendation of Jordan that she was so dedicated to the cause that she stayed all twelve hours. This same teacher says: "I consider myself to be knowledgeable in the area of pro-life, but I never walk away from a conversation with Jordan without learning something new in regards to pro-lofe or feeding off her passion for the issue." Jordan volunteered at many RILI activities while in high school including the Memorial Service, Carmelfest, the Indiana State Fair, and Red Ribbon Day. She participated in Teens for Life activities including Legislative Day and Teen Forums. She plans to continue her commitment at Indiana University. Jordan writes: "I will not stop participating in Pro-Life activities until unborn children are not killed, until the mentally and physically handicapped are given respect and the dignity that all life deserves, and until the elderly are cared for in a way that shows reverence to them and the life that they have lifed, incuding the stop of euthanasia."
If you are interested in financially supporting this Scholarship Fund in the future, please contact our office at 317-582-1526.